Notre Dame Declines Postseason After Missing College Football Playoff
Notre Dame has made the decision to withdraw from postseason play after being excluded from the College Football Playoff. This announcement came shortly after the final rankings were revealed, where Notre Dame was ranked 11th and was the first team left out of the 12-team playoff.
Notre Dame’s Announcement
On social media, the Fighting Irish expressed gratitude for their supporters. The football team stated, “as a team, we’ve decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season.” They added a hopeful note about aiming for their 12th national title in 2026.
Season Overview
- 2023 Record: 10-2
- Key Loss: Opening week against Miami
- Previous Year: Played in the national championship game
Despite a strong season and a streak of ten consecutive wins, the team was ultimately sidelined from the playoff picture. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua expressed frustration with the playoff selection process, calling it a “farce and total waste of time” during an interview with ESPN.
Playoff Controversy
The selection committee’s rankings created significant debate, particularly regarding Miami and Notre Dame. The committee’s chairman, Hunter Yurachek, had previously downplayed the importance of head-to-head records. However, a shift in rankings after BYU’s loss in the Big 12 championship significantly affected Miami’s position, allowing them to secure the final playoff spot.
Postseason Developments
Notre Dame’s withdrawal from bowl game consideration mirrors the decisions made by Iowa State and Kansas State, who also declined bowl bids. Their situations differ, as both Iowa State and Kansas State are facing coaching transitions. The Big 12 Conference fined these schools $500,000 for declining postseason opportunities.
As the 2023 season concludes, the Fighting Irish look ahead, eager to reclaim their prestigious status in college football by pursuing their historic national championship in the upcoming years.
